The Cowboy and His Elephant - by Malcolm MacPherson (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A heartwarming true story of a cowboy, a rescued elephant, and the bond they shared

In the late 1980s, a baby elephant was born on the plains of southern Africa, only for her herd to face a tragedy. During a cull, her family was slaughtered, and the terrified newborn's life was spared so she could be transported to America to be sold.

Enter Bob Norris--a real-life cowboy with an enormous empathy for animals. Raised with a pet bear, Bob achieved his boyhood dream of running a massive horse-and-cattle ranch in Colorado. Handsome as a movie star, he became the iconic Marlboro Man featured on billboards around the world. But despite his success, he felt something missing. That changed when the hurt, vulnerable orphan elephant--named Amy--came into his life.

An incredible bond formed between the most unlikely of friends. Bob adopted Amy, and using his skills as a master horseman, he set about helping her heal. Through close observation, gentle training, humor, and endless perseverance, he helped her overcome her fear of the world. Amy became a beloved member of the Norris family and a "hand" on the ranch, tending chores and riding fences alongside Bob on his horse.

Yet Bob always knew the ultimate goal was for Amy to regain her independence--and perhaps even return to the savannahs of Africa.

The Cowboy and His Elephant is the true story of how Amy and Bob came together: a simple, unforgettable tale of unlikely love and lifelong friendship.

Review Quotes

"Very delightful... extraordinary... Written for both the adult and child, [it] would be a great book to read to your youngsters. Just be prepared to let your kids see you get a little emotional as you read some of the heart touching episodes." --Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Magazine

"Intrepid animal lovers will find Amy's unexpected journey at the end of the book rewarding." --Publishers Weekly

"This is a wonderful book. Suitable for all ages!" --Tulsa World

"Charming." --Washington Post Book World

"Like the fabled horse whisperers, Norris is gifted with the ability to develop true empathy for animals; his remarkable communication with Amy is equally attributable to her intelligence and ability to empathize with him.... A rewarding read. It should be enjoyed by any animal lover." --Tacoma Reporter

"Fans of Born Free will enjoy this heartwarming book." --Library Journal

"Will appeal to James Herriot fans." --Colorado Springs Gazette

About the Author

Malcolm MacPherson lives in the countryside of Virginia with his children Molly and Fraser, and his wife Charlie. He has worked on the staffs of New York Magazine and Premiere, and has contributed stories and articles to publications from The New York Times to Readers' Digest. For nearly fifteen years, he was a staff correspondent for Newsweek, based in the U.S., Europe, and Africa, where he took every opportunity to observe elephants in the wild.